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Internal Assessment- General Layout Cover Page (must state RQ, Candidate #, and word count) Three Major Parts: Identification and evaluation of sources (6 marks) Investigation (15 marks) Reflection (4 marks) Bibliography/Referencing not awarded marks (still required) Word Limit 2,200 IA assessment criteria and rubric – see subject guide pages 86-92

The IA Task: Historical Investigation Three sections: Identification and evaluation of sources Investigation Reflection The topic must be historical and therefore cannot be on an event that has happened in the last 10 years Topic selection is free choice of student, but should be in consultation with teacher, and should ensure that there are sufficient resources available to support the investigation

Section 1: Identification and evaluation of sources (6 marks) Requires students to analyse in detail two of the sources they will use in their investigation Sources can be either primary or secondary Students must: Clearly state the question they have chosen to investigate (worded as a question) Include a brief explanation of the nature of the two sources they have selected for detailed analysis, including an explanation of their relevance to the investigation Analyse two sources in detail. With reference to the origins, purpose and content, the student should analyse the value and limitations of the two sources in relation to the investigation Use subject guide here page 92 to review recent examples of strong questions from student investigations and also looking at the six key concepts for the history course, causation, consequence, continuity, change, significance and perspectives and how these could be good starting points for an investigation Refer back to the importance of a narrowly focused research question in the extended essay – same applies here Comment on word count, importance that the investigation is focused Use the rubric here to highlight what must be done

How it Should Be Structured… 4 paragraphs. Introduction Introduce your topic Give some background knowledge Topic Sentence needs to be in the form of a question MUST BE THE LAST SENTENCE IN THE PARAGRAPH Clarification of Topic and Research Begin by restating what your research topic is Explain what you are researching to answer your question Next you need to tell me what kind of sources you are using “This investigation is conducted through a variety of sources ranging from… “ (ex. Books, websites, newspapers, etc) Explain why the two sources that are evaluated are important.

Evaluation of Sources Paragraphs 3 & 4 each evaluate a different source You need to evaluate the sources by explaining ,in order, their Origins, their Purpose, their Content, and the Values and Limitations. OPCVL You use the OPC to determine the V+L. You should have at least ~3 Values and Limitations for each source that is being evaluated. You are basically explaining how your sources are useful for your research or not.

Section 2: Investigation (15 marks) Consists of the actual investigation Should be clearly and effectively organized There is no prescribed format It should contain critical analysis that is focused clearly on the question being investigation Should also include the conclusion that the student draws from their analysis Students should use a range of evidence to support their argument (primary, secondary or a mixture) To score above 6, must include an analytical component Use the rubric here to highlight what must be done

Criterion B: Investigation (15 marks) Marks Level descriptor 13–15 The investigation is clear, coherent and effectively organized. The investigation contains well-developed critical analysis that is focused clearly on the stated question. Evidence from a range of sources is used effectively to support the argument. There is evaluation of different perspectives. The investigation argues to a reasoned conclusion that is consistent with the evidence and arguments provided.

Section 3: Reflection (4 marks) Requires students to reflect on what undertaking their investigation highlighted to them about the methods used by, and the challenges facing, the historian See subject guide page 93 for examples of discussion questions that may help reflection Use the rubric here to highlight what must be done Have participants look at the examples of discussion questions that may help to encourage reflection from the subject guide page 93

Examples of discussion questions that may help to encourage reflection include the following. What methods used by historians did you use in your investigation? What did your investigation highlight to you about the limitations of those methods? What are the challenges facing the historian? How do they differ from the challenges facing a scientist or a mathematician? What challenges in particular does archive-based history present? How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?

Examples cont…. What is the difference between bias and selection? What constitutes a historical event? Who decides which events are historically significant? Is it possible to describe historical events in an unbiased way? What is the role of the historian? Should terms such as “atrocity” be used when writing about history, or should value judgments be avoided? If it is difficult to establish proof in history, does that mean that all versions are equally acceptable?

Suggested word allocations: Bibliography and clear referencing of all sources must be included with every investigation, but these are not included in the overall word count Total marks: 25 marks Word Limit is 2, 200 words. Suggested word allocations: Section 1: 500 words Section 2: 1,300 words Section 3: 400 words Bibliography: Not applicable Further guidance can be found in history teacher support material